Las Vegas Raiders: Possible changes in store for Cory Littleton
Las Vegas Raiders defensive coordinator Gus Bradley is impressed with Cory Littleton and talked about a potential new role for the linebacker.
Cory Littleton came to the Las Vegas Raiders in 2020 with some high expectations after a tremendous few years with the Los Angeles Rams. Littleton went from undrafted special-teamer, to every down starter, and one of the better linebackers in the NFL in a span of 2-3 years.
When the Raiders signed him to a big-money deal, they expected instant impact, but unfortunately, he didn’t live up to the initial promise. Maybe it was the COVID-impacted offseason, or perhaps it was Paul Guenther’s unnecessarily complex scheme, but either way it was a disappointing year for Littleton.
The former Ram came on strong late in the year once Rod Marinelli was installed as the defensive coordinator, and the Raiders will be hoping for more of the same under Gus Bradley. The new DC does have great faith in Littleton’s ability but sees a potential new role for him in his defense.
Bradley said of Littleton, as quoted by USA Today:
"“I’ve been impressed with his speed. He’s a very skilled linebacker. One of the things is his physical nature, that’s the things we’re looking at right now and challenging him on. He has it in him. What I think’s great about Cory is the match-ups he allows us to have. He’s really a skilled cover guy. . . I think the other thing we see with him is he’s really a good edge setter. I think he has the ability to maybe to be more of an outside linebacker for us too.”"
Littleton was used primarily in space under Paul Guenther due to his excellent speed and coverage skills but Bradley seems to have something else in mind.
Utilizing Littleton key for the Raiders defense in 2021
At 6’3, 228lbs, Littleton may be on the lighter side for most linebackers his height and while he excels in space, Bradley clearly sees him as an edge rusher as well.
That combination of length and athleticism could make Littleton an intriguing edge rusher, and he could he be utilized in a role similar to Uchenna Nwosu last season with the Chargers, who put up 4.5 sacks. Littleton does not have extensive pass rushing stats, but has shown a nose for making plays in the backfield with 8.5 sacks and 24 tackles for loss in his career so far.
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Regardless of how Gus Bradley uses him, and where he lines up, the Raiders will be expecting a big season from Littleton in his second year in the Silver and Black. He no longer has the excuse of a bizarre offseason, and will be playing for a coordinator that has plenty of experience getting the best from his linebackers, so all signs point to a major comeback season for the talented defender.